A helping hand: Business, personal and technical support This year has driven individuals and businesses to embrace digital platforms – here, we round-up some products and resources that promote a more effective and safer customer experience through digital channels, help improve technical knowledge using online tools and apps, as well as support you personally through these challenging times
BUSINESS SUPPORT STAND OUT ONLINE The Independent Garage Association has produced a ‘Garage Guide to Online Presence’ to help independent garages set up and manage their own online presence, to entice new customers without having to use third-party work provision companies, and save money on marketing in the long-term. The 68-page guide contains step-by-step instructions on how to develop company branding, set up a website and social media pages, create Google Business and Maps listings, learn about online marketing methods, collect analytics and respond to reviews. Stuart James, IGA CEO, said: “Events in recent months have shown, more than ever, the importance of having an online presence to communicate with customers and generate business. “While third-party work provider websites are a tempting, easy option for independent garages to maintain visibility online, they stifle brand identities and create a barrier between garages and their customers, all while charging expensive rates.
“The Garage Guide to Online presence will give independent garages the knowledge and confidence to create a new profile or expand their existing online branding without the need to rely on work providers, helping their business thrive while saving money on marketing.” The Garage Guide to Online Presence is a benefit of IGA membership. Garages interested in becoming a member can call the IGA’s helpline team on 0845 305 4230, email enquiries@rmif.co.uk, or apply online at www. IndependentGarageAssociation.co.uk
EMBRACING DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES
BUSINESS SUPPORT
TMD Friction has launched a new piece of software to help garages document and evidence the quality of their work. Working with GaraShield, the new web-based platform supports the individual work steps taken during maintenance and repair tasks.
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Users will find a clear task description with all the necessary steps for an inspection or repair on the specific vehicle model. Work carried out can be confirmed with a click, and vehicle defects and/or faulty parts can be described and documented with photos. GaraShield can be integrated into existing IT solutions and this information can be made available in real time, to procure the right spare parts, hand over the job or to inform the customer about the status of their repair. The software can be used to document major, interim and bespoke servicing, MOT work and repairs (including brakes, timing belts, clutch, air con, battery replacement) and Quick Jobs can be added – such as replacing bulbs, filters or tyres. GaraShield aims to help future-proof independent garages by helping to increase efficiency and will be particularly useful for those with fleet accounts or looking to take on fleet work.
Soeren Kristensen, Vice President Global Marketing & Communication at TMD Friction, said: “To ensure enough business in the future… the independents need to win over the fleets, which have very unique requirements when it comes to quality assurance in garages. Transparency is essential if the independent garages are to become an alternative for the fleets in the first place. Only in this way can they prove that they have the required qualifications and work quality, which are the most important criteria when it comes to being competitive.” www.garashield.co.uk
